Outreach, IGB Outreach

Interested in volunteering for one of the many IGB outreach and public engagement events? We're always interested in recruiting new members to work with the public and help them understand our research and mission, and help share a broader understanding of science.

The World of Genomics, presented by the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology (IGB), brings the full scope of our research in health, technology, and the environment to the public with hands-on activities and exhibits for all ages, designed to make the broadest impact on the largest audience.

Learning about genomics does not always require fancy equipment! In fact, some of the most popular activities we have enacted require only affordable and familiar household items. Here are a few of our favorites that may be a good fit for your kitchen or classroom:

The IGB works with area schools, as well as after-school and enrichment programs, to bring hands-on genomics activities to K-12 students. IGB staff and researchers coordinate with teachers and mentors to tailor content to suit the age range, interests, and needs of each group.

We visited or hosted students from a variety of area schools and groups, including St. Elmo Brady STEM Academy, the Champaign and Rantoul Tap In Leadership Academies, local homeschool groups, and Champaign and Urbana school districts.

The IGB and the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology co-sponsor the Chambana Science Café, a monthly seminar series that brings scientists to the public to talk about their research in an informal setting. The talks are held on the first Wednesday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at Cafeteria and Company, and there is free pizza while it lasts.

Genomic research has an ever-growing impact on areas such as health and agriculture, yet most members of the public do not have access to the information they need to understand new findings and evaluate how they might be affected by them, both personally and professionally.